Women's Soccer

Maxine Goynes: Taking it to the Max

Junior Maxine Goynes is a
leader on the soccer field and in the classroom

When the alarm clock goes off at 5:00 am for your early
morning workouts what is it that motivates you to get out of
bed?

I always remind myself of just how much sacrifice and work I
have already put in to be here at SCU. When I was in high school I
used to commute 3 days a week in heavy traffic to and from
Pleasanton. My family sacrificed a great deal financially in order
for me travel to tournaments and get recruited. Therefore, I feel
that it is my job to wake up and get my business (strength and
conditioning) done.

What role does your family play in supporting you as a
student athlete?

My family members are my number one fans. I know that they
support me emotionally, physically and mentally whether we win or
lose. I think I most appreciate my family because they let me know
that even if I don't play a minute that I am still a
student athlete, which is something they could not be more
proud of.

How have your teammates affected your growth over the
past three years?

My teammates have allowed me to be vulnerable and learn while
being a member of this team. They have taught me that every
individual does have both strengths and weakness, and that in order
to get better individually and as a team we have to hold one
another accountable and push each other to face our weaknesses.

Has soccer taught you any values or principles that are
valuable off the field as well?

Soccer has taught me that on or off the field I have to
demonstrate great leadership, focus and discipline. It has taught
me that the smallest details really do matter to the larger picture
of whatever it is you are trying to accomplish. It has also taught
me that everything is not always fun, but some obstacles
must be overcome in order to accomplish the goal.

What kind of legacy do you hope to leave at Santa
Clara?

I hope when I leave Santa Clara that athletes hailing from small
towns similar to mine believe they have the opportunity to become
something larger. I hope any athlete who was told they weren't good
enough will fight to get better like I have and make a difference
on their team.